Elephant Calf Killed by Train at Rajaji National Park Tiger Reserve; Rail Traffic Disrupted for Hours

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: Wildlife enthusiasts in Uttarakhand received distressing news on Monday as an elephant calf was killed after being hit by a train at the Rajaji National Park Tiger Reserve. The incident occurred between Raywala and Motichur railway stations, leaving rail traffic disrupted for several hours.

According to reports, the Havrah Express collided with an approximately 8-year-old male elephant calf while passing through the forested area of the Haridwar range. The impact was so severe that the calf got trapped under the train’s engine, resulting in instant death.

Rail Traffic Disrupted for Three Hours
The railway line remained blocked for nearly three hours as the train crew and authorities worked to remove the calf from beneath the engine. Witnesses reported that a herd of elephants was crossing the track when the train approached. Despite the train driver applying the emergency brakes, the collision could not be avoided.

Railway Track Passes Through Elephant Corridor
The railway track passes through dense forest areas of the Rajaji National Park Tiger Reserve, spanning several kilometers. The track is frequently used by dozens of trains, which poses a significant risk to elephants and other wildlife using the corridor.

Historical Context of Elephant Deaths on Railway Tracks
Over the past 38 years, at least 32 elephants have died along the Haridwar–Rishikesh railway line, highlighting the ongoing danger to wildlife in the region. In recent years, there have been several additional incidents of elephant fatalities due to train collisions.

Conservationists have called for enhanced safety measures, including speed restrictions, warning signals, and wildlife crossings, to prevent further tragic incidents along this critical elephant corridor.